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Introduction

Women in today’s wars

Although wars between countries have been declining, violence within states is on the increase. Over the last two decades, civil conflicts have more than doubled, jumping from 30 in 2001 to 70 in 2016.

These wars are concentrated in poor countries with a toxic combination of fragile institutions, inequality, discrimination and social conflict. These factors, together with others such as the intensity of natural disasters, food crises, the increasing threats posed by climate change, terrorism and record numbers of displaced persons, are shaping a new international landscape.

A few decades ago, women and girls in conflict situations were forced to endure brutal incidents of sexual violence, had fewer resources for protection and survival, lost their loved ones and had to take responsibility for their families, were forced to join the combatants, or to flee leaving everything behind. Today, all of these risks are not only just as real, but they are compounded by fact that the very nature of wars invades ever more private spaces, becoming a threat to their identity and their security. Added to this, many outbreaks of violence today are of religious or ethnic origin, linked to issues of identity, which play against women and women’s rights. Many of these conflicts are marked by extreme violence and gender-based abuse.

Aim of this report

Using case studies of three different conflicts – Iraq, a post-conflict situation, the Occupied Palestinian Territory, a prolonged conflict, and Yemen, an open conflict, this report aims to analyse the impact of armed violence and occupation on women and girls before, during and after such events. The first section deals with the structural factors driving gender discrimination, while the second analyses the degree to which war and occupation affect the protection of women and girls and their participation in social and political life and looks at the mechanisms that have been put in place for prevention.

Lastly, specific recommendations are provided to the Spanish Government with the aim of influencing the review process of the II National Action Plan 2017-2023 for the Women, Peace and Security agenda.

This report provides a holistic perspective, far removed from visions of women as victims reflecting passive and vulnerable roles. The document highlights the strength of women, and their capacity to adapt and bring forward solutions that contribute to sustainable peace.